Location: Sampson County, NC | Metro: Bladen County, NC
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,280 | $210,495 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 28444 presents a significant opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in Section 8 tenants. With a population of 2,479, nearly 29% of residents are renters, indicating a robust demand for rental properties. This percentage suggests that the area is renter-heavy, which aligns well with the potential for deep voucher demand.
The median household income in 28444 is $44,330. Given the market rent of $619, we can calculate that typical rent consumes approximately 14% of the local median income. This is derived from dividing the market rent by the median income ($619 / $44,330 = 0.014), which is a reasonable proportion for housing costs, generally considered sustainable for most households.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area is set at $990 for FY 2026. This figure is notably higher than the current market rent in 28444, suggesting that the local rental market is below the FMR threshold. This discrepancy can be advantageous for landlords as it may allow for some upward adjustment in rent prices without exceeding the voucher limits, assuming the landlord qualifies under HUD's guidelines.
A landlord in ZIP 28444 should anticipate a tenant pool that largely relies on Section 8 vouchers due to the area's economic characteristics. The expected tenants will have a monthly income around the median household income level, making them suitable candidates for the $619 market rent. These tenants will likely be families or individuals who benefit from government assistance to afford housing, given the income-to-rent ratio and the high percentage of renters in the area.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.